The Angst in My Veins

Life has a funny way of working itself out in Equestria. Second chances are a dime a dozen. Rainbow Dash discovered this truth after the demise of her original body. Somehow, some way, she was brought back to the day of her birth. As a foal, she found all of her original memories to be intact. This time around, she understood what she had to do. From foalhood to fillyhood, she was much more quiet and reserved. Her eyes suggested a maturity, focus, and strength never seen in someone her age. Influenced by her previous existence, she grew her mane long and dressed in the same style of clothing she had in the years leading up to her death.

In order to keep up appearances, Rainbow lived as normally as possible until the day she re-met Fluttershy. The bullies Rainbow remembered picking on the anxious Pegasus child were there. Again, Rainbow stood up for her. This time, the darkness Rainbow had come to know showed itself.

"Leave her alone..."

"Who's gonna' make us," the leader taunted.

Rainbow flew in front of Fluttershy in a blind fit of rage and lifted both bullies by their throats.

"I'm only gonna' tell you once - BACK OFF!"

When it was clear the two colts had received the message by the fear in their expressions, she released them. They flew away in terror.

"You okay, Fluttershy?"

"You know my name...?"

"Of course I do. We were bosom buddies!"

"I'm confused..."

"It's a long story. Wanna' walk with me?"

"O-okay..."

"You don't know me now, but in a past life, we were close friends. My name's Rainbow Dash."

"Did you say...Past life...!?"

"Yeah. Something bad happened to both of us."

"You mean we...We...?"

"Died."

"But...How...!?"

"I dunno. Somehow, we came back."

"But...It can't be!"

"How else could I know your name without ever talking to you before?"

"Why don't I remember!?"

"Maybe because I changed. The version of me you knew was completely different from who I am now."

"Another you!?"

Rainbow nodded.

"I don't understand! I'm scared!"

Rainbow wrapped her forelegs around Fluttershy and embraced her in an emotional hug.

"It's okay. I'll make things right this time."

"But...Why are you telling me!?"

"Because I wanted you to know I was here. What happened to you was my fault. I won't make the same mistake twice."

Fluttershy's heart filled with a feeling she couldn't explain. A friend she didn't know was apologizing for a mistake she never knew said friend made. She could feel Rainbow's guilt mingling with her own fear. The melding of emotions told Fluttershy everything she needed to know. If Rainbow was willing to seek her out and reveal this knowledge, Fluttershy knew she could trust her. She hugged Rainbow back as hard as she could.

"You're really strong," Fluttershy commented.

"I've been working out. I used to want to be a wonderbolt when I grew up."

"Do you now?"

Rainbow shook her head.

"Not anymore. I want to be a superhero."

"That sounds fun!"

"You know how you can't remember me? We have more friends that don't know about us right now. Some of them haven't even been born yet. We're all heroes when we get older."

"We are!?"

"I don't want to wait this time. Let's find them."

"Really!?"

"I know exactly where they are. Can you fly?"

"Yes."

"Come on."

Rainbow dove below the clouds. She slowed to a glide so Fluttershy could keep up.

"What are their names," Fluttershy asked.

"Pinkie, Applejack, Rarity, and Twilight."

"Those names are nice."

"Yeah...They are..."

"Is something wrong?"

"Fluttershy, what I'm about to say might sound really scary, but I need you to hear it."

"Alright."

"If you ever think about hurting yourself when you're older, come get us. We'll stay with you, no matter how long it takes."

"Is that what happened to me?"

Rainbow cast a somber stare towards the ground. She didn't want to answer. Fluttershy knew.

"Don't worry. I will."

"I love you guys..."

Unsure of what to say, Fluttershy responded in kind.

"We love you too, Rainbow."

The genuine, sincere nature of her own reply shocked her. It felt...Right. She and Rainbow landed in the town square of Ponyville. Their first stop? Sweet Apple Acres.